Chapter 65: The Rhino Base

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Zhang Xiong was once an animal keeper at the zoo in Nanxi Province, Huaxia. Years of working with animals had given him unique insights into understanding their emotions. When the Cataclysm struck, the zoo was one of the first places to be hit—massive animal mutations killed most of the visitors and staff.

At that moment, Zhang Xiong discovered he could communicate with animals. Whether it was due to the mutations or some new resonance between him and the beasts, he could now comprehend most animals’ feelings and intentions. With this extraordinary gift, he tamed a gigantic rhinoceros three meters tall.

With the rhino’s formidable combat prowess, Zhang Xiong escaped the capital of Nanxi Province and, after a long journey eastward, by a twist of fate established the largest stronghold in the province: Rhino Base.

The distinguishing feature of Rhino Base was directly related to Zhang Xiong’s abilities. After the Night Beast Tide, he subdued a pack of wolves and formed the renowned Wolf Riders, feared throughout the surrounding regions.

Now, for the first time, the Wolf Riders of Rhino Base encountered the scouts of the Independent Company.

“Who are you?” The Wolf Rider captain, with a fierce countenance and a long saber over a meter in length hanging beside his saddle, held a rifle in his hands. He called out in a low voice, urging his gray wolf mount to approach slowly. The massive beast radiated a menacing aura that pressed upon all who faced it.

Wang Yong, the bodyguard of Wang Ji, was the first among the scouts to step forward. He gave a slight gesture, suppressed his unease, straightened his back, and strode calmly to the giant wolf.

“Greetings. I am Wang Yong, the bodyguard of the Independent Company commander from the F City Camp Base. These are my comrades. We’re here searching for our commander.”

The Wolf Rider captain scrutinized the weapons and uniforms of Wang Yong’s group, then exchanged a few words with those beside him. One of the Wolf Riders quickly departed.

“F City is nearly four hundred kilometers from here. Why have you come all this way to find someone?” the captain asked cautiously.

Wang Yong spread his hands to show he meant no harm. “A few days ago, we fought a giant spider monster in the coastal region to the east. When we couldn’t defeat it, our commander lured it away alone to cover our retreat. We followed the traces of battle and tracked them here.”

At these words, the Wolf Rider captain’s expression shifted. “Three days ago, we spotted a terrifying monster passing south of here. Are you saying that was your commander?”

“You have news of our commander?!” Wang Yong asked in delight.

The captain shook his head. “No, our people only saw that terrifying creature from a distance. Even the giant wolves froze in fear hundreds of meters away. But from your description of a spider, it seems to match what our scouts reported.”

Suppressing his excitement, Wang Yong stepped forward, took a field medical kit from his backpack, and handed it to the Wolf Rider captain.

“Thank you for the information. Please accept this small token of appreciation. Also, could you tell us the exact direction in which the monster passed?”

Sensing Wang Yong’s goodwill and eyeing the pristine medical kit—a commodity in dire shortage since the Cataclysm—the captain’s hard features softened into a smile as he signaled for a subordinate to accept the gift.

“Thank you for your kindness. You must be exhausted after such a long journey. Why not come to our outpost for some rest? We can also lend a hand in your search,” the captain offered.

Initially, Wang Yong had no intention of resting. Not only had he received a strict order from Li Chengming, but as Wang Ji’s bodyguard, it was his duty to protect his commander and he could not afford any lapse.

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However, upon hearing the Wolf Rider captain promise assistance, he agreed. After all, in the post-cataclysm world, the Wolf Riders’ mobility rivaled that of armored vehicles.

Wang Yong quickly conferred with the scout squad, sending two men back to report to Li Chengming’s armored car while he and the other three accompanied the Wolf Riders to their outpost.

As they traveled, Wang Yong began to build rapport with the leader. As Wang Ji’s bodyguard, he was not short on resources. He pulled a pack of premium cigarettes from his pocket and shared them among the Wolf Rider squad.

Within a few kilometers, Wang Yong had already become friendly with the group.

“How should I address you, Brother? These giant wolves of yours are truly impressive!” Wang Yong asked with admiration.

The Wolf Rider captain smiled with pride, stroking the wolf’s fur. He found himself liking the young man’s straightforward style. “My name’s Yang Jun! These giant wolves are the treasures of Rhino Base.”

“Rhino Base? Is your base large? Is it far from here?” Wang Yong pressed on.

Yang Jun coughed lightly. “The headquarters is quite far, but as for its size, I’m not sure—at least a hundred thousand people, I’d say,” he replied in a low voice.

Wang Yong was taken aback. A base of a hundred thousand meant it was a major settlement.

“Impressive. Such a mysterious base, and these remarkable wolves… I need to find a way to learn more,” Wang Yong thought privately, masking his intent with a smile as they arrived at the Rhino Base outpost.

…

At the command building of the Camp Base military district, Chen Yukai sat behind his desk, brows knit in concentration. The cigarette in his hand had burned to the filter, a long strand of ash hanging precariously.

“Sir, new information just came in,” Sun Guoyao reported briskly as he entered.

Chen Yukai looked up, fatigue in his eyes. “Well?”

“The Independent Company seems to have found the commander’s whereabouts, but hasn’t located him yet. He’s nearly four hundred kilometers away,” Sun Guoyao summarized.

Chen Yukai mused for a moment. “That’s good. Commander Wang is destined for survival. Have you seen Commander Cao?”

Sun Guoyao hesitated, eyes downcast, unable to meet Chen Yukai’s gaze.

“Ah, Cao Muhua is reaping what he sowed. I once thought, as comrades, I could plead for leniency on his behalf,” Chen Yukai sighed, lighting a new cigarette.

“Of all people, he had to cross Wang Ji.” He shook his head with a bitter smile. “Communications tech, an armory, tanks, self-propelled artillery, even gene serums that enhance physical abilities! He’s even battered an S+-grade monster half to death. Cao Muhua… hmph…”

After a while, Chen Yukai set his cigarette aside and addressed Sun Guoyao. “Xiao Sun, tell me: if Wang returns—if he makes it back—what if we hand the base over to him? Would things look different?”

Sun Guoyao shivered, still bowing his head. “Sir! I… I’ll follow your lead!”

Chen Yukai laughed wryly. “Ah, I must be getting old, to even consider stepping down.”

“Well, when he returns, we’ll lift restrictions and work with him fully. The future can wait.”

He was thinking of the base’s future; only by cooperating with the Independent Company could they hope to survive. Ever since the red-haired enchantress had returned and introduced herself as the Southwest Military District’s commander, offering a wealth of intelligence on the Cataclysm—including monster mutation levels, combat potential, and possible future developments—Chen Yukai had shifted his attitude.

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She had also provided a dossier on Wang Ji, detailing his current strength and hinting at a powerful force backing him. From that moment, Chen Yukai had begun treating Wang Ji as an equal. In these chaotic times, powerless as he was, Chen Yukai even found himself considering Wang Ji as someone to follow in the future.

…

“How is he?” Rat asked, his face grim as he approached the door of a damp, dim cell.

The guard saluted hastily. “The prisoner is still breathing. The army medic just treated him and dressed the wounds.”

“Heh, good. Just don’t let him die—we’re waiting for the commander to deal with him!” Rat grinned savagely, signaled for the guard to open the door, and strolled inside.

The cell reeked, but Rat was unfazed. He approached the shadow slumped in the corner.

“Well, well, Commander Cao. Still alive, I see.”

Cao Muhua, hair matted and filthy, bore the marks of Rat’s torture. To restrain his gene-enhanced strength, his hands and feet were shackled to the wall. At the sound of Rat’s voice, he raised his head weakly, the beastly traces on his face glaring in the gloom.

“Tsk! What a mess—you barely look human or beast,” Rat sneered, yanking Cao Muhua’s hair. “But I like seeing you like this! Do you realize more than thirty people died because of you?”

“Over thirty! Do you understand?” Rat struck Cao Muhua’s face with a heavy fist. “Since the founding of the Independent Company, we’ve never suffered such losses!!”

Blow after blow rained down, blood spurting from Cao Muhua’s mouth and nose.

“Cough… ha… cough… ha ha ha, I want you all dead! If you’ve got the guts… kill me!!” Cao Muhua lifted his head, howling with a twisted grin.

Rat withdrew his fist, calming slightly. He regarded Cao Muhua with a shake of the head. “No, you won’t die so easily. And our commander isn’t back yet—he wants to see you personally.”

“That bastard… that bastard Wang Ji! Why isn’t he dead yet?!” At Wang Ji’s name, Cao Muhua lunged at Rat in a frenzy.

Rat kicked him back into the corner and strode to the door.

“Hmph! Our commander is not so easy to kill. Enjoy your last days here!”

Once outside, Rat ordered the guards to keep a close watch. The prison zone was locked down tight, with sentries everywhere.

Inside, Cao Muhua cursed for a while, and when he was sure Rat had left, he slowly slumped back into the corner. In the dim light, a grotesque smile twisted his swollen face, mingling with the blood to create a chilling sight.